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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1977-03-31, Page 466 They serve people Marian Shaw, left, publicity chairman for the Goderich Branch ,of the Canadian Cancer Society, discusses work carried out in Goderlch on behalf of local cancer patients with Edna Stephens, the local group's Service toPatients chairman. (staff photo) Many treatment results of gifts Canadian research, largely supported by the public funds donatedto the Canadian Cancer Society in its annual April campaign, has made significant contributions to the world-wide fight against cancer, including: the "Cobalt Bomb" developed by Dr. Harold E. Johns; vin- blastine, a drug useful in treating various forms of cancer, discovered by Dr. R.L. Noble; and radioautography, developed by Dr. C.P. Leblond. Money is spent on fellowships for in- dividual scientists, the largest part ,is devoted to specific aspects of cancer research. Of each dollar donated to the Canadian Cancer Society, 58 cents is given to research. Cancer patients often need a special type of care and a special type of support and encouragement. This care and morale -building interest is provided by members of the Ontariq Division Service to Patients Committee. These volunteers visit patients in Chain of lifesaving clinics. Hopeful procedures used Clinical trials of new treatment methods have been widely used in medicine for at least two decades, but ap- plication of the research method to cancer, in an all - Canadian setting, is relatively new. Through statistical studies of the closely -controlled tests, it is possible that improved ways of controlling malignancy may be found, says Dr. A.B. Miller, of Toronto, Director of the Epidemiology Unit of the National Cancer Institute of Canada. Before the NCIC began its country -wide program of clinical -trials in 1972, some Canadian physicians and researchers had patlicipated in trials undertaken by centres in the United States. The beginning of a totally Canadian project has capitalized on several ad- vantages within this coun- try's health care system, according to Dr. Miller. There already exists a chain of high-quality cancer treatment centres within every province and, because of Medicare,.. thgse are ac- cessible to virtually everyone, regardless of economic status. Co-operative clinical trials utilize the experience of a number of physicians in different centres in order to ensure that results are ob- tained in the shortest possible time. "This is necessary because in many conditions, including most cancers, the experience of an individual physician will not suffice to determine the relative efficacy of different therapies," says Dr. Miller. At -present, several trials are underway: on advanced Hodgkin's disease, ovarian cancer and plasma cell myeloma. In co-operation with the Medical Research Council and the Ontario Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, the National Cancer Institute of Canada is also participating in a study of the use of BCG -- traditionally an anti- tuberculosis vaccine -- in the control of lung cancer. This co-operative effort is an expression of the activity of the Cancer Research Co- ordinating Committee, whose membership includes representatives of these organizations plus the Department of Health and Welfare. A comparison of four methods of breast cancer treatment is also being planned by the CRCC and the NCIC. "Patients included in clinical trials," says Dr. Miller, "tend to receive a superior quality of general health care besides attention to their malignant disease, because they are examined frequently by their. own physicians, they are referred frequently to consultants, and they are given precisely - formulated and repeatedly - reviewed kinds of cancer therapy." The National Cancer Institute of Canada is funded by the Canadian Cancer Society's annual public campaign. { Doctors utilize skill and research techniques every day homes and hospitals, dressings, deliver provide transports treatment centres and killing drugs for patients. This requires 15 cents of dollar. One of the most im functions of the Division of the Society education of the p Ontario about cancer manner in which each can fight ,the disease, education is carried schools and industry films, speeches, bill publicity material for media and the distribu free pamphlets such as for Smokers", "C Facts", and "Resea Cancer". This work another 13 cents of dollar donated. Although 95 percental Society's work is carried by volunteers, funds. required to pay the salari permanent employees provide the neces business equipment Ontario. This takes ab cents of each dollar. The time and effort volved in conducting Society's annual campai given freely and volun but it still costs mut collect money. Cam posters, canvassers' kite many other tools nec for a successful cam take 5 cents of each donated. There are four p lodges in Ontario Toronto, London, Th Bay and Ottawa. These bright, attractive commodations ... "a away from home" -cancer patients underg treatment. Many services provided . by Society teers. Of each dollar don 3 cents goes toward provision of these lodges. The Canadian Ca Society cannot combine fund-raising with other campaigns because no community appeal afford the increasing, research and provide facilities necessary to these projects. The required by the Society cover capital expendit research in addition to round operating exile With the single exception the National Cancer Ins_° of Canada, .which do canvass for funds, t no other oranizations filiated with the Can Cancer Society, The S is a registered Can charitable organizationuct the Income Tax A donations toetdmail claimed by h rs income tax deductions extent provided by This informative publication Is brought to you with the kind co-operation of the following • er,e Er. we l' ' „ texlronCar yt.a JC GODERICH SPORTS 114 THE SQUARE GODERICH si4-nal HOFFMEYER PLUMBING & HEATING SS KINGSTON ST GODERICH hill gs ful I of tot plat ing hni al cals ow able on. mo r. H ME usin ting Ging sing rtes se lin is nano st to ntis co sons rice wlet res beer hese ens s] ucti xt gt rsity oval Oso]